Committee hears Amtrak ridership gains; corridor study to report this summer

Committee members reported March 31 that Amtrak’s River Runner ridership and revenues are up year over year and that federal corridor study work could identify options for a third train and service extensions.

Craig Miller, a committee member, said ridership is "10% up year over year, 9% up in revenue," and that local months in October and November have been particularly strong. Miller said a Federal Corridor ID study will outline scope and budget for a possible third train and route extensions; study details are expected this summer with a second‑phase follow‑up to address purpose, need, timetable and gap analysis.

Why it matters: Expanded passenger rail service could increase regional mobility and may allow local officials to seek federal funds; committee members discussed writing letters of support to Amtrak and engaging elected representatives.

Details: Miller said the local rail consortium model helps attract federal attention and that members will follow up with a meeting April 9. Another committee member said a Senate office representative expressed interest in a third train and that the committee will submit letters of support to bolster funding requests.

Next steps: Committee members plan additional outreach, letters of support and to review the Federal Corridor ID study when it becomes available this summer.

Ending: Members thanked Craig Miller for the report and planned follow‑up work on Amtrak outreach and study review.